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03/01/2007
Killer dog was 'pitbull type'
The dog which attacked and killed a five-year-old girl in Merseyside was a pitbull terrier type breed, tests have confirmed.
Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1. Post-mortem results revealed that she suffered severe head and neck injuries.
Her grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, was also injured during the attack. She managed to separate the dog from the child and put it into a secure area at the side of the house by the time police arrived. However, she suffered damage to tendons in her arms and severe damage to her thumb and elbow. She underwent surgery on her arm on Tuesday night and remains in a comfortable condition at Whiston Hospital.
Police have still to speak to her about the incident.
The dog, which belongs to Ellie's uncle, was destroyed at the scene after it was determined that it could not be safely handled, controlled or removed.
Following a post-mortem on the animal on Tuesday afternoon, Merseyside Police confirmed that the dog was a pitbull terrier type, one of four breeds which are prohibited under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. Under the act, owners can face prosecution and a fine of £5,000 and up to six months in jail for illegal possession of a dangerous dog.
A statement issued by Merseyside Police said: "The results of this post-mortem will now be included in the investigation and we will be speaking to all family members about the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.
"As soon as the investigation is completed, a report will be presented to the coroner and to the Crown Prosecution Service in terms of considering what offences, if any, have been committed."
Police also confirmed that two previous complaints had been made about the dog. On one occasion, the animal attacked another dog and the owner was issued with a warning letter, while a second warning letter was also issued following a complaint over noise.
On Tuesday, Ellie's family released a statement which described her as a "little angel" who was always "full of life and always running around".
(KMcA)
Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1. Post-mortem results revealed that she suffered severe head and neck injuries.
Her grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, was also injured during the attack. She managed to separate the dog from the child and put it into a secure area at the side of the house by the time police arrived. However, she suffered damage to tendons in her arms and severe damage to her thumb and elbow. She underwent surgery on her arm on Tuesday night and remains in a comfortable condition at Whiston Hospital.
Police have still to speak to her about the incident.
The dog, which belongs to Ellie's uncle, was destroyed at the scene after it was determined that it could not be safely handled, controlled or removed.
Following a post-mortem on the animal on Tuesday afternoon, Merseyside Police confirmed that the dog was a pitbull terrier type, one of four breeds which are prohibited under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. Under the act, owners can face prosecution and a fine of £5,000 and up to six months in jail for illegal possession of a dangerous dog.
A statement issued by Merseyside Police said: "The results of this post-mortem will now be included in the investigation and we will be speaking to all family members about the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.
"As soon as the investigation is completed, a report will be presented to the coroner and to the Crown Prosecution Service in terms of considering what offences, if any, have been committed."
Police also confirmed that two previous complaints had been made about the dog. On one occasion, the animal attacked another dog and the owner was issued with a warning letter, while a second warning letter was also issued following a complaint over noise.
On Tuesday, Ellie's family released a statement which described her as a "little angel" who was always "full of life and always running around".
(KMcA)
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09 January 2007
Killer dog tested for drugs
The dog which attacked and killed a five-year-old girl in Merseyside on New Year's Day has been tested for illegal drugs. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pit bull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens. Her grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, was also injured during the attack.
Killer dog tested for drugs
The dog which attacked and killed a five-year-old girl in Merseyside on New Year's Day has been tested for illegal drugs. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pit bull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens. Her grandmother, Jackie Simpson, 46, was also injured during the attack.
02 January 2007
Investigation continues into dog attack
Police are continuing an investigation into a dog attack in Merseyside, which killed a five-year-old girl. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pitbull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1.
Investigation continues into dog attack
Police are continuing an investigation into a dog attack in Merseyside, which killed a five-year-old girl. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pitbull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1.
25 April 2007
Uncle pleads guilty to owning killer dog
The uncle of a five-year-old girl who was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier has pleaded guilty to owning a dangerous dog. Ellie Lawrenson died after being attacked by the dog at her grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson's home in St Helens, Merseyside, in the early hours of New Year's Day. She suffered fatal head and neck injuries in the attack.
Uncle pleads guilty to owning killer dog
The uncle of a five-year-old girl who was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier has pleaded guilty to owning a dangerous dog. Ellie Lawrenson died after being attacked by the dog at her grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson's home in St Helens, Merseyside, in the early hours of New Year's Day. She suffered fatal head and neck injuries in the attack.
03 April 2007
Relative charged over dog maul death girl
The grandmother of a five-year-old girl who was attacked and killed by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been charged with her manslaughter. Ellie Lawrenson suffered severe head and neck injuries in the attack at the home of Jacqueline Simpson, 46, in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Relative charged over dog maul death girl
The grandmother of a five-year-old girl who was attacked and killed by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been charged with her manslaughter. Ellie Lawrenson suffered severe head and neck injuries in the attack at the home of Jacqueline Simpson, 46, in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
11 January 2007
Funeral for girl mauled by pit bull
The funeral of the five-year-old girl who died after being attacked by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been held today. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Funeral for girl mauled by pit bull
The funeral of the five-year-old girl who died after being attacked by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been held today. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
